Choosing China!| 3 min read

During my research, something hit me. Something big, metaphorically, of course. I didn’t want to just travel to a country, and be a regular tourist. I wouldn’t feel right by just traveling, and not doing something academic, or worthwhile. I wanted to give something back to the community. There wasn’t much that I could give back, without speaking the language of the destination country, so I decided to research teaching.

I came by a website called Lonely Planet, and started looking up popular destinations to teach in. I was drawn to China, because of the diverse culture, and the emerging market. And let me tell you something in advance, ANYTHING is possible in this country.

So, now that I picked my country, what’s next? How do I get teaching certification? How do I get to China? How do I get a job?

Fortunately for me, there was an advertisement on Lonely Planet’s website, which said “Teach in China”. This advertisement was listed by a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) company. They partnered with TTC by ImmerQi, to send newly accredited teachers to a foriegn country, to work as teaching interns.

Those were the organizations that I decided to work with. At this time, I started my TEFL certification. There was 120 hours to complete (60 hour main course, 20  hour grammar module, and four 10 hour specialist modules. The specialist modules were: Teaching Large Classes, Teaching Young Learners, Teaching Business English, and Teaching One to One). Each one of these modules needed to be completed to participate in the internship, and to gain TEFL certification.

So, I had to hit the books! Just kidding. The certification was a breeze, and the TEFL team were VERY helpful. Their team of tutors, and support staff handled any problems I had during the process. Obviously, I had some doubts with my ability to teach, and with the reasons why I was travelling abroad, but I stuck through it until the end.

Next thing I know, I was boarding a plane from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Beijing International Airport. Oh, the jitters! I said goodbye to my friends, family and put my past life on hold. I boarded the plane, and watched Avengers and other movies for 14 hours. Oh, and I had a few drinks as well. Airline food isn’t that bad.

I had no previous travel experience before this opportunity, so naturally; I was quite overwhelmed when I landed in Beijing Airport. I had to go through immigration, collect my baggage (what a nightmare…), and catch a shuttle to my hostel. I arrived at the hostel, and was immediately greeted by other interns, in the form of a beer. Drink up, they said! Ah, time to relax… for a few days.

To be continued when I’m not being ushered to lunch by my school. Don’t worry, there’s a lot more to this story!